Picture Hangman: Party Games Like You’ve Never Seen on the iPhone

We’ve said it before, but we aren’t exactly shy about our love for puzzle games around here. More specifically, we tend to like the sort of game that might be called “casual,” or as we prefer it, “relaxing.” Either way, our new favorite bauble is an app by name of Picture Hangman, by the developer Tringio. The title is a near perfect amalgam of all the things we love about Hangman and Pictionary, creating a truly engaging and unique puzzling concept on the iPhone. If your interest has been peaked, then by all means: Jump on down below the break to thunk our whole thought on this killer puzzler for the iPhone!

Concept and Gameplay

We really have to tip our hats to the developers, as Picture Hangman features one of the coolest concepts we’ve seen in a long while. The app has players playing an Hangman-esque game of picture matching, so if you’ve ever played the classic schoolroom diversion, you’ve already got half an handle on how the title operates. Essentially, users are presented with a few starting point images. Along the bottom, players are given a drawer full of chalked pieces that can be dragged onto the main game board. If it’s a fit, the pieces settles into place, providing even more of a clue as to what the image actually is. If the object is wrong for the puzzle, the player is deducted a life point. Five of those tossed away, and it’s a Big Fat Fail for the user. So in one sense, it’s exactly like playing Hangman. But in another, it’s more like a fully functional replacement for the age old classic, rife with much more entertaining gameplay and killer difficulty. The game really is quite difficult, though, especially when set to “Hard.”

Design and Graphics

Picture Hangman for iPhone

Another notch in Picture Hangman’s favor, the graphics are simply superb. The game sports a sort of chalkboard chic that delightfully compliments the ever-changing puzzle scene. On a similar note, the puzzles themselves are clearly well thought out, and if you’re not truly paying attention, you may find yourself asking, “What the bloody hell is it?” more times than you’d like. We also loved the addition of Game Center integration, which brings leader boards and achievements to the table as a much needed refresher. All in all. top-notch stuff that we simply can’t get enough of.

Overall Value

Considering the app costs only $0.99, we can hardly think of a reason not to give it a test drive. If you’ve been itching for a new puzzle game, or possibly an Hangman replacement, there’s no better offering than Picture Hangman. It looks great, and the price is right: Not to mention the stellar gameplay that arrives in randomized spades. All in all, we solidly recommend the app, especially to fellow puzzlers.

Picture Hangman requires iOS 4.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. A small expedite fee was paid by the developer to speed up the publication of this review.